Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has introduced fresh guidelines governing music concerts and stage plays in the country.
The new guidelines, which take immediate effect, were announced Friday, January 17 during a meeting with sector players at the UCC headquarters in Bugolobi. The meeting was attended by various stakeholders in the entertainment industry, including event organizers, promoters, and artists.
According to UCC Executive Director, George William Nyombi Thembo, the guidelines are aimed at promoting decency and respect in the entertainment industry. “We have been receiving complaints about the explicit content in some of these concerts and stage plays, and we had to act,” he said.
“The Commission has noted with concern the growing trend of vulgarity and indecency in the entertainment industry, which is a threat to social order and can no longer be tolerated,” Nyombi Thembo explained.
The guidelines require event organizers to obtain permits from the UCC before hosting any concert or stage play. The permits will only be issued after the Commission has reviewed the content of the event to ensure it meets the required standards.
“The regulatory footprint of Uganda Communications Commission extends to any stage play and any public entertainment or performances under the Stage Plays and Public Entertainment Act Cap 49,” Nyombi Thembo emphasized.
The guidelines also require broadcasters to obtain authorization from the UCC before advertising any music concert or stage play. Additionally, event organizers will be required to submit their scripts and music lyrics to the Commission for review before the event.
The move has been welcomed by some stakeholders, who say it will help to promote moral values in the society. However, others have expressed concerns that the guidelines may stifle creativity and freedom of expression.
The UCC has assured the public that the guidelines are not intended to suppress artistic expression, but rather to ensure that the entertainment industry promotes values that are consistent with Ugandan culture and morals.
With the new guidelines in place, event organizers and promoters will have to adapt to the new requirements, or risk facing penalties and fines.
Here are the new guidelines
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All organizers and promoters of public entertainment events must obtain an entertainment permit from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
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The permit is mandatory for any stage play or public entertainment.
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Broadcasters must obtain authorization from the UCC before advertising any stage play or public entertainment.
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Broadcasters must file monthly reports of all stage plays and public entertainment they have advertised, along with corresponding entertainment permits or authorizations.
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The Uganda Police Force and security agencies must ensure that organizers of public entertainment events have an entertainment permit before granting security clearance.
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Local governments and town councils must not issue clearance for any stage play or public entertainment without an entertainment permit.
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Inspectors will be appointed to verify compliance with the regulations.
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Offenders will face fines and imprisonment.
